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  • Welcome to TPK! This is your first of 2 free articles. For unlimited access to tutorials and articles, join TPK Premium for less than the cost of a latte.

    10 Easy Corner and Border Designs (Includes Free Printable + Video Tutorial)

    March 28, 2023

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Free Printables, Printable Goodies, Tutorials, Video

    Artistic corner and border designs can add elegance and majesty to any project! Today’s post includes a free printable with 10 lovely designs and a two-part video tutorial series to show you how to create them.

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    10 Easy Artistic Corner and Border Designs (Free Printable + Video Tutorial)

    Corner and border designs can elevate a project from ordinary to eye-catching. If you’re ever working on a paper project that lacks “oomph”, try putting a design in all four corners, connect them, and see what happens! More often than not, border designs direct the eye to a spotlight center element while adding artistic value to a piece.

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock
    The Janet Style calligraphy place cards, created using walnut ink, benefit from a simple curlicue design in all four corners.

    The star of today’s article is this Artistic Corner Designs PDF, which comes to you as a free download. In it, you’ll find ten different artistic corner designs and tips for making those designs. Today, I’ll walk you through how to create the designs in two tutorial videos, then I’ll show you some examples of the corner and border designs in action!

    DOWNLOAD THE “ARTISTIC CORNER DESIGNS” PDF

    Easy Corner & Border Designs Tutorial Video 1

    The video below demonstrates how to make the first five designs in the Artistic Corner Designs PDF. To see the creation process behind a specific design, you can click on the links in the video’s description on YouTube.

    Easy Corner & Border Designs Tutorial Video 2

    The video below shows you how to make the last five designs in the Artistic Corner Designs PDF. Again, to see the creation process behind a specific design, you can click on the links in the video’s description on YouTube.

    Showcasing Artistic Corner and Border Designs

    There are countless ways to implement the designs in today’s tutorial! Here are some of the projects that I’ve used them on:

    Place Cards

    These Janet Style calligraphy place cards have a Simple Curlicue in each of their four corners.

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock
    These place cards were created using iron gall ink.

    Motivational Cards

    This little card has a big message, and the “Arrows and Feather” motif complements the message. (An arrow has the potential to go far, just like we do!)

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock
    This little saying features Kaitlin Style calligraphy that was written using watercolors.

    Mail Art

    The “Simple Leaves” border on the envelope below helps the calligraphy to stand out. The pretty, muted green McCaffery’s ink certainly doesn’t hurt.

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock
    I used Beth Style Calligraphy to write the loopy address on this envelope.

    There are many possibilities for these artistic corner designs. Feel free to use them to best suit your projects and your personal style! Again, you can download the free Artistic Corner Designs PDF by clicking here. I encourage you to keep it at hand for inspiration as you work on mail art, bullet journaling, gift tags, and anything else you may want to create!

    10 Easy Artistic Corner and Border Designs (Free Printable + Video Tutorial)

    I hope you enjoyed this article and that you find the fabulous free printable helpful. Thanks very much for tuning in to read today, and happy creating!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

    I first posted this article in September of 2016. I have updated it to include new photos and video tutorials.

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About the author

Hi, I’m Lindsey Bugbee, the illustrator, calligrapher, and author behind The Postman’s Knock (TPK). Since 2012, the TPK Blog has been a vibrant creative space filled with tutorials and lessons on modern calligraphy, hand lettering, and illustration. After publishing The Calligraphy Book, I wanted to elevate the quality of content even further—so I launched TPK Premium. You can join here to receive access to some of the internet’s best creative inspiration and project tutorials.

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133 responses

  1. Gouri Krishna Avatar
    Gouri Krishna
    April 3, 2023

    I loved this post. It was so much fun to trace over the corner flourishes you provided, Lindsey, and then to try them without the “training wheels.” They add so much to a piece of paper, whether a note, letter or envelope! Although they look like they would be time-consuming, they certainly are not, and yet they add another wonderful dimension of creativity.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 9, 2023

      I agree! Thank you so much for enjoying! I wish you the best of luck with your future creations and calligraphy practice!

      Log in to Reply
  2. Natalia Avatar
    Natalia
    April 3, 2023

    I love these ideas!!! I really am looking forward to trying these out. They’re great for bullet journaling, as well as for planners or basically anything!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 9, 2023

      Totally! Thank you! I am so glad that you are enjoying!

      Log in to Reply
  3. Richelle Avatar
    Richelle
    April 3, 2023

    These are a great idea! I often don’t feel creative enough to draw something to go with ny calligraphy so this is a nice way to add something special.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 9, 2023

      Yes! I hope you continue trying it out! Best of luck!

      Log in to Reply
  4. Giselle Rosier Avatar
    Giselle Rosier
    April 3, 2023

    These designs are so clever and add an amazing ’punch’ to the cards I make for family and friends! Keep up the good work. I look forward to you sharing your creativity with us every week!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 9, 2023

      Thank you so much! I hope that you have a blast while trying them out!

      Log in to Reply
  5. Denise Chapel Avatar
    Denise Chapel
    April 3, 2023

    I like to make place cards for our holiday dinners. I definitely keep your inspirational ideas by my side for the upcoming holidays! Thank you for keeping me inspired!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 9, 2023

      My pleasure! I am so glad that you are enjoying and finding inspiration! Thank you!

      Log in to Reply
  6. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl
    April 3, 2023

    Thankyou for all you do!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 3, 2023

      Of course! Thank you for enjoying!

      Log in to Reply
  7. klarkaa_h Avatar
    klarkaa_h
    April 3, 2023

    Thanks for the new printable. It´s gorgeus and I will have the possibility to practise during easter holiday – yupi yay.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 3, 2023

      Yay! So exciting! I am very glad that you enjoy! Thanks!

      Log in to Reply
  8. Bella Avatar
    Bella
    April 3, 2023

    I love the idea of practicing flourishes to make small borders on everything from envelopes to a quick card design.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 3, 2023

      I agree! It is an easy way to add a touch of something personal and fun! Thanks for enjoying!

      Log in to Reply
  9. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle
    April 3, 2023

    These are gorgeous! thank you for the free printable!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 3, 2023

      Of course! It is my pleasure!

      Log in to Reply
  10. Julie Avatar
    Julie
    April 3, 2023

    Wonderful inspiration! Just a little extra something special that I can integrate into my handmade birthday cards!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 3, 2023

      Great idea! I am glad that you enjoy! Thanks!

      Log in to Reply
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The other day, I was thinking about sending out ho The other day, I was thinking about sending out holiday cards, and I immediately dismissed the thought with, “I have zero time to calligraph envelopes for those.” ✍️

... But is that true? I put it to the test for the latest article on the TPK Blog. Using some time-saving tricks I’ve learned over the years (like using a watery ink, a bouncy calligraphy style, and minimal pencil guidelines), I timed myself making three envelope concepts. Two of them took 5 minutes or less. The most time-intensive took 5 minutes, 30 seconds. The envelopes still turned out looking elegant, especially with the help of some artistic postage stamp collages. 💌

For clear step-by-step tutorials detailing how to make these envelopes and sourcing pretty postage, visit the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to “Blog”)!

#snailmail #mail #calligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #happymail #snailmailrevolution #mailbox #postage #vintagepostage
After I chose this music to accompany this reel, i After I chose this music to accompany this reel, it dawned on me: drawing a calligraphy medallion is like, well, Belle’s arc with the Beast. 

At first, it’s a bit of a weird situation. Strange shapes, questionable structure, possibly some growling (à la “YOU WILL JOIN ME FOR DINNER. That’s not a request!”) when the inevitable ink smudge happens. You keep thinking, “I’m not sure why I’m doing this ... should I hop on Felipe and gallop away?” 🐎

But something shifts as the medallion starts to come to life. And when you finish that last detail and pull back, the music swells. Light bursts from your paper like it did from Beast’s digits as he transformed into a stunningly beautiful prince. ✨ You’re practically in a ballroom celebrating, and, wait, did your furniture just turn into an adoring crowd that’s celebrating your fortitude and skill?

(And now you know how my mind works 🧠 ... I love a good metaphor, no matter how weak it may be!) 

To learn how to make a calligraphy medallion, just search for “calligraphy medallion” on the TPK site (link in bio). You’ll find both free Blog tutorials and detailed premium worksheets.

... I’ll show myself out now. 🙈

#pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy #handwritten #pointedpen #dippen #calligraphymedallion #calligraphydrill #calligraphypractice
My favorite autumn projects are the ones that remi My favorite autumn projects are the ones that remind you how cozy this season can be. 🍂 This project definitely fits the bill ... create it with a hot, comforting drink nearby and an excellent audiobook, and you’re in for a treat! ☕️ ✍️ The tutorial on the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to Blog) is super detailed, with mini tutorial videos to guide you every step of the way.

#autumnart #watercolortutorial #arttutorial #handpainted #paintingtutorial #pointedpen #dippen #flourishing
Happy Halloween! 👻 This year, I’m pretending Happy Halloween! 👻 This year, I’m pretending to be ... someone who writes calligraphy quickly! (No, just kidding — not about the video being sped up, but the choice of costume. I actually picked up a skeleton PJ set at Goodwill. 💀)

Even if you won’t be indulging in candy, remember to treat yourself this season, starting this weekend! The holiday season can be hectic, and it’s important to claim some relaxing time for yourself. Cheers to the “holidaze”! 🥂

#halloweencalligraphy #calligraphy #pointedpen #dippen #handwritten #writingvideo #calligraphyvideo
🎃 This is the last week that Halloween calligra 🎃 This is the last week that Halloween calligraphy drills will be available at TPK! Find what you like in the shop, download, then print it out on a pointed pen-friendly paper. Then, let the (happily!) spooky vibes take over while you practice your strokes. ✍️👻

➡ Link in bio to visit the TPK site.

#calligraphydrills #halloween #calligraphypractice #learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #dippen #pointedpen
✍️ Learn with us! Right now, TPK Premium membe ✍️ Learn with us! Right now, TPK Premium members are working their way through a new version of The Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course. It’s an *awesome* course that’s even more thorough than the original version (which is saying a lot because the original course has 281 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ reviews)! We just had the Lesson 3 class discussion this morning, ️and I’m so impressed with how much progress students are making — and I love their observations! One person compared using the Brause EF66 nib to driving a Lexus, which I got a kick out of. 🚘 

Premium membership ($5/month) grants you complimentary access to the course through January 6th; take it live with us! Once this course wraps up, we’ll be moving on to the new Intermediate Modern Calligraphy Online Course in February. 

Find details by visiting the link in my bio. I’d love to help you build those foundational skills that will allow you to create gorgeous envelopes, place cards, invitations, quotes, correspondence, and much more! The Lesson 4 class discussion is three weeks from now, so you’ve got plenty of time to catch up. 😊

#learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #writingcalligraphy #calligraphycourse #learningcalligraphy #writingcalligraphy #realtimecalligraphy
🍂 The newest tutorial on the TPK Blog walks you 🍂 The newest tutorial on the TPK Blog walks you through how to make this gorgeous illustration, step-by-step, with helpful instructional videos. To find the tutorial, visit the link in my profile, then navigate to the blog. ENJOY! 🤗

(PS - Loving the colors in the @greenleafblue Anthesis set ... I used French Orange Ochre, American Violet Hematite, Pyrrole Scarlet, and Italian Green Earth to make this pumpkin. All *fabulous* autumn tones!)
Loved chatting with @sdionbakerdesign and @greenle Loved chatting with @sdionbakerdesign and @greenleafblue last Friday! Samantha is exactly as thoughtful and creative as you’d imagine from her Draw Your… books — and this answer to Jennifer’s question says it all. ✨ Just have fun and make art!

☕ Want to watch/listen to the whole conversation? Head over to the TPK Blog to hit play on the recording! (Link in bio, then navigate to “Blog”.)

#artistchat #artist #samanthadionbaker #greenleafandblueberry #thepostmansknock #arttalk #creativity #sketchbooking #sketchbook #artadvice
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